Why I ride: I am proud to join Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer. Pedal the Cause is more than the region's top cycling event. It's a way of life, a celebration, and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer.

I ride in memory of my late brother, Sam Merkel. At the young age of 20, my brother lost his three-year-battle with Osteosarcoma. Years before myself, Sam was an avid bike rider, who enjoyed participating in Pedal the Cause. Now, it is my turn to fight and ride for him. Not only had my brother disappeared on December 29, 2015, but, a part of my very being had gone with him. Stories about us could, from then on, be told from only one perspective. Memories of us could be told, but not shared. Below, there is a short video of many memories I shared with my brother. He will always have a very special place in my heart, and a day does not go by that I do not miss him.

It takes world-class research to create a world without cancer. Please help me in this journey by donating to my ride, and give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will go directly to accelerating cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children's Hospital.